Depression: Description, Symptoms and Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Description
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Prognosis and Treatment
Personal Connection
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Psychological health is inextricably linked to an individual’s wellbeing. The mechanisms employed to handle stress, make choices, and relate to others are vital because they determine how people deal with life’s challenges. Mental illnesses are conditions that lead to disturbances in thought and behavior that make coping with ordinary situations challenging. Even though people suffering from diseases like depression, experience difficulties that significantly affect their lives, appropriate treatments help them rejoin society and participate in important activities.

Description

Depression is a medical condition that negatively affects an individual’s mood, how they think, and their behavior. An estimated 3 million people around the world suffer from the illness, which is a major contributor to the world’s disease burden (Osuch & Marais, 2017). The disease is thought to be caused by a complex blend of psychological, social, and biological factors. It causes feelings of sadness and leads to a loss of interest in pleasurable activities. It is vital to note the illness can cause a variety of physical and emotional challenges that can decrease a person’s ability to function (Torres, 2020). It is associated with severe and persistent symptoms that impair psychosocial functioning and increase mortality. Understanding the disease’s symptoms is vital for effective treatment.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The malady’s symptoms vary from mild to severe in many of the affected individuals. They include feelings of sadness, loss of interest, alterations in appetite, and difficulty sleeping (Torres, 2020). In addition, patients experience increased fatigue, have concentration problems, and are often burdened by suicidal thoughts. A diagnosis is made in situations where the symptoms persist for at least two weeks and lead to a change in the individual’s level of functioning (Torres, 2020). It is worth noting, that medical conditions, that mimic depression must be ruled out prior to the institution of treatment.

Prognosis and Treatment

Early intervention is vital in the management of depression. There is an inverse relationship between the length of an episode and the outcome of therapy (Kraus et al., 2019). Therefore, a short duration of illness is associated with a good treatment response. Approximately 80% to 90% of individuals diagnosed with the disease respond well to treatment (Torres, 2020). In addition, most of the affected patients gain relief from their symptoms. The options for the management of the disease include pharmacotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychotherapy. It is recommended that antidepressant medications are taken for approximately six months before significant improvement is realized (Torres, 2020). The primary objective of treatment is to re-establish functionality and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Personal Connection

K.L. is a twenty-three-year-old African American female recently diagnosed with depression. She presented with symptoms of sadness, inability to sleep, constant fatigue, and suicidal ideation. The signs manifested approximately one week after she lost her mother to breast cancer. K.L. is currently on antidepressants and is attending weekly therapy sessions to help her cope with her grief. She reports that since the beginning of the treatment, she is eating better, getting more sleep, and has a renewed interest in her favorite activities. She, however, still struggles with feelings of sadness whenever thoughts of her mother cross her mind.

Conclusion

Depression is caused by a complicated mix of social, psychological, and biological factors. Its symptoms vary from mild to severe, and they include feelings of sadness, loss of appetite, and the inability to sleep. Early intervention is essential in the management of depression because it improves the disease’s prognosis. The treatment options include electroconvulsive therapy, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. Most of the patients experience a decline in the severity of symptoms after the administration of medication.

References

Kraus, C., Kadriu, B., Lanzenberger, R., Zarate, C. A., & Kasper, S. (2019). Prognosis and improved outcomes in major depression: A review. Translational Psychiatry, 9(1), 1–17. Web.

Osuch, E., & Marais, A. (2017). The pharmacological management of depression: Update 2017. South African Family Practice, 59(1), 6–16. Web.

Torres, F. (2020). What is depression? American Psychiatric Association. Psychiatry. Web.

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